Candace Owens has launched a furious defence as Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron press ahead with their defamation case.
The French president and first lady filed the suit in Delaware after Owens repeatedly claimed that Mrs Macron was born male.
CANDACE OWENS AND THE MACRONS
The Macrons say the allegations have damaged their reputation both economically and politically, according to The BBC.
Their lawyer, Tom Clare, confirmed that “scientific evidence” will be presented in court to prove Brigitte’s gender. He added: “She is firmly resolved to do what it takes to set the record straight.”
Candace Owens, however, remains defiant. Speaking on her podcast, she told listeners, “I don’t know what this is.
Just like we’re just gonna all hound Candace to try to distract her from looking into Charlie Kirk’s murder and assassination.”
WHERE THE ALLEGATIONS BEGAN
This controversy began in late 2021 when a rumour surfaced online in a YouTube video by French conspiracy theorists Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey.
They claimed that Brigitte Macron was born male and once went by the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, in reality, her older brother.
CANDACE OWENS DOUBLES DOWN
Candace Owens amplified the claim in March 2024, declaring she would “stake her entire professional reputation” on it.
She then doubled down by releasing an eight-part YouTube series titled Becoming Brigitte and posting repeatedly on X.
Despite the Macrons presenting official records and denials, Owens continued to spread the allegations, prompting the French first couple to file a defamation suit in Delaware in July 2025.
CANDACE OWENS AND MEDIA HARASSMENT
She later dismissed Mrs Macron’s legal move as “an obvious and pathetic public relations ploy.”
Candace Owens also accused the media of harassment after connecting her claims to the death of conservative ally Charlie Kirk, who was recently shot dead.
The Macrons insist Owens published “false and devastating lies” with reckless disregard for the truth, according to ABC.
MACRONS SEEKS DAMAGES
Court documents allege that the couple has suffered economic losses, reputational harm, and heavy legal expenses. They are seeking damages worth millions of dollars, equivalent to over R18.9 million.
Legal experts note the case hinges on whether Candace Owens acted with “actual malice”. If proven, the court could order significant punitive damages.
A HIGH-PROFILE CASE
The case highlights the global reach of defamation and celebrity scandals.
It also shows how social media disputes can spill into the courtroom, with high-profile figures willing to go to extraordinary lengths to defend their names.